St. Augustine, Florida — January 24th — St. Johns County Fire Rescue's Recruit Class 1-26 finished live burn training on fire behavior at the department's Gaines Road facility. The evolutions concentrated on how fire forms, spreads, and responds to suppression and ventilation. Recruits studied reading smoke, identifying shifting conditions, and modifying tactics while watching fire growth in controlled settings.

Teachers emphasized teamwork, communication, and contemporary fire behavior ideas including coordinated ventilation and flow path control. The impact of fuel load and building construction on fire spread was also covered in the course. According to department officials, live fire programs are crucial for increasing safety and preparing firemen for real-world situations. Consistent, efficient fireground operations are supported by controlled training, which also serves to boost confidence.